VOL. XXVIII, NO. 1
OCTOBER 1, 1986
District policy prohibits affection in halls
by Amy Sharman
The Maine Township school district recently instituted a new policy to help stop the excessive amount of affection displayed in the halls.
The rule states that students should not show an undue amount of improper affection. If two students are overly affectionate, a supervisor will ask them to stop. If they refuse to stop, they will be sent to the Dean where their parents will be called. The consequences depend on the responsibility of the students, explained Dr. James Coburn, principal.
This rule, however does not affect hand holding and small displays of affection. The rule was intended only to stop overly affectionate hugs and, as Mr. Burk states, "the soap opera kiss.
District 207's new policy traces its origin back to a state mandate saying that every district must formulate distinct rules and punishments in order to promote uniformity within the district.
The district decided to take action against excessive affection last spring when representatives of the three schools, including students, faculty and parents met to discuss uniformity in school policies. It was decided at this meeting that affection in the halls had gone too far, and that many teachers and students were embarrassed by the inappropriate displays of affection.
At the opening Teachers Institute, faculty decided it was necessary to deal more directly with the problem. Dr. Coburn stated, "It was time to get it straightened out."
Mr. Burk has discussed the new policy in each class assembly during the first week of school and thinks the overall reaction has been supportive and favorable toward the new policy.
The Maine Township school district recently instituted a new policy to help stop the excessive amount of affection displayed in the halls.
The rule states that students should not show an undue amount of improper affection. If two students are overly affectionate, a supervisor will ask them to stop. If they refuse to stop, they will be sent to the Dean where their parents will be called. The consequences depend on the responsibility of the students, explained Dr. James Coburn, principal.
This rule, however does not affect hand holding and small displays of affection. The rule was intended only to stop overly affectionate hugs and, as Mr. Burk states, "the soap opera kiss.
District 207's new policy traces its origin back to a state mandate saying that every district must formulate distinct rules and punishments in order to promote uniformity within the district.
The district decided to take action against excessive affection last spring when representatives of the three schools, including students, faculty and parents met to discuss uniformity in school policies. It was decided at this meeting that affection in the halls had gone too far, and that many teachers and students were embarrassed by the inappropriate displays of affection.
At the opening Teachers Institute, faculty decided it was necessary to deal more directly with the problem. Dr. Coburn stated, "It was time to get it straightened out."
Mr. Burk has discussed the new policy in each class assembly during the first week of school and thinks the overall reaction has been supportive and favorable toward the new policy.
Erwin Dannon, Student Council president, commented, 'The policy's all right. A small kiss goodbye or a peck on the cheek is O.K. But when it comes to a long display of kissing and embracing, that should not be allowed in school. That should be for when the couple is alone in private."
Pertaining to the policy Jim Kern '88 added that "if a teacher came up to a couple and asked them to stop and they turned around and started again, then it's their fault."
It's a good rule," stated Anne Clark, Student Council secretary, "but I also think the media blew it out of proportion. There's so many other things at Maine West that they should make a big deal about instead of this."
However, there are many students here at West who do not agree with the policy, Enza Citran '88 said, "I understand why the school gets mad, but it's not any of their business."
"It's stupid," stated senior Renee Hoagland, "It's the two people's choice whether they want to kiss or not, but why would they want to stand there and kiss for five minutes when they're going to see each other again in a few minutes?"
There is more to this policy, however, than whether or not students should be allowed to kiss in the halls. The rule is also made to teach the student body proper manners and how to have respect and courtesy for one another.
In conclusion Dr. Coburn commented, "I predict that in the future there will be an overabundance of college educated people competing for the same limited jobs. Perhaps the personal qualities, values, belief systems, behavior and attitudes of yourself and of others will determine who gets the job. I feel that personal qualities should be taught while we're still being taught."
Pertaining to the policy Jim Kern '88 added that "if a teacher came up to a couple and asked them to stop and they turned around and started again, then it's their fault."
It's a good rule," stated Anne Clark, Student Council secretary, "but I also think the media blew it out of proportion. There's so many other things at Maine West that they should make a big deal about instead of this."
However, there are many students here at West who do not agree with the policy, Enza Citran '88 said, "I understand why the school gets mad, but it's not any of their business."
"It's stupid," stated senior Renee Hoagland, "It's the two people's choice whether they want to kiss or not, but why would they want to stand there and kiss for five minutes when they're going to see each other again in a few minutes?"
There is more to this policy, however, than whether or not students should be allowed to kiss in the halls. The rule is also made to teach the student body proper manners and how to have respect and courtesy for one another.
In conclusion Dr. Coburn commented, "I predict that in the future there will be an overabundance of college educated people competing for the same limited jobs. Perhaps the personal qualities, values, belief systems, behavior and attitudes of yourself and of others will determine who gets the job. I feel that personal qualities should be taught while we're still being taught."
